The AIDS Plays Project is reviving and republishing the theatrical works of writers whose lives were cut short by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.
We are releasing their plays from the archive and returning them to the stage in one-off performances starring award-winning actors, writers and drag artists. Striving for cultural recovery and repair, we seek to mend the connection between these trailblazing playwrights and a younger generation of queer artists and audiences in the UK.
Coming Next
Reasons for Staying
by Colm Ó Clúbhán
7.30pm, 27th February - 1st MarchLondon Performance Studios
Maeve Derivan is drinking alone in the backroom of an Irish pub in London one November night in 1986.
When she overhears a young couple at a nearby table making plans for a new life together in Ireland, she is transported back twenty years to when she was a terrified schoolgirl, sailing to England in search of the abortion she couldn’t get at home.
A group of strangers gather around her, to hear her story and share their own. Each has their own version of Ireland: a place of freedom and oppression, tradition and revolt. But as the night draws on, their thoughts turn to the country’s latest political crisis — and they find their conversation has endangered them all.
‘Reasons for Staying’ is an urgent exploration of immigration and identity by Colm Ó Clúbhán. It premiered in London in 1986 and this is its first professional production in 40 years. In addition to the play, Nicky Harris will be performing several songs originally written by Ó Clúbhán for the Brixton Faeries in the late 1970s.
What is The AIDS Plays Project?
Until now there’s not been a project of cultural recovery and revival in contemporary theatre. Alastair Curtis, our founder and director, discusses the project’s aims.
Video: Elijah Horne
July 2024 - The AIDS Plays Project has partnered with Polari Press to return Harry Kondoleon’s ‘Christmas on Mars’ to print for the first time in 30 years. This special edition includes a conversation with critic Don Shewey and an essay by playwright Wendy Wasserstein, as well as photos of our 2023 production. It is a moving tribute to one of America’s most enchanting playwrights.
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Get In Touch
alastair@theaidsplaysproject.comThe AIDS Plays Project was founded by Alastair Curtis. Our project has worked with: Izzy Parriss, Max Allen, Elliott Adcock, Helen Noir, Paul Hilton, Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran, Jeanie Crystal, Luke Hornsby, Sue Gives A Fuck, Lauren John Joseph, Melissa Saint, Alistair Hall, Florence Dobson, Orlando/Holly James Johnston, Sharon Small, Mary Malone, Dominic Holmes, Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Syrus Lowe, Adam Silver, Ms Sharon Le Grand, Florence Keith-Roach, Luca Kamleh Chapman, Ben Allen, Lewis Brown, Stuart Thompson, Rakie Ayola, and Sorcha Stott-Strzala.
It was commissioned by London Performance Studios. We have also performed at Rich Mix.
Creative production by KIND. Design by Tom Joyes.